Ezekiel 43:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And these are the measures of the altar after the cubits: The cubit is a cubit and an hand breadth; even the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge thereof round about shall be a span: and this shall be the higher place of the altar.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The altar's base and border dimensions establish its sacred proportions using cubits.
The Context of Ezekiel 43:13
Detailed specifications for rebuilding the altar begin.
What Does Ezekiel 43:13 Mean?
The precise measurements for the altar demonstrate that God's design is both practical and spiritually significant. Using the cubit (approximately 18 inches) as the unit of measurement, the specifications create an altar proportioned for sacrifice and visible from the temple courtyards. The 'hand breadth' notation (the width of an open hand) adds refinement to the measurements, ensuring exact replication of the pattern.
The border and higher place create visual distinction, marking the altar as the central focus of the sanctuary. These proportions aren't arbitrary; they establish the right relationship between the altar's size and the surrounding space, enabling proper circulation of priests and clear visibility of sacrificial rituals. Specific measurements reflect God's character: orderly, intentional, and accessible.
Ezekiel 43:13 in the Original Language
mizbeach (מִזְבֵּחַ), 'altar' — the raised structure where offerings are sacrificed and burned
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 43:13
What does Ezekiel 43:13 mean?
The altar's base and border dimensions establish its sacred proportions using cubits.
What is the context of Ezekiel 43:13?
Detailed specifications for rebuilding the altar begin.